Youth duo named as joint bosses

John Embery and Jermaine Darlington are the new joint managers of Ryman South Herne Bay.

The duo, who guided Sittingbourne's U18s to the runners-up spot behind Leatherhead in the Ryman Development League South's division in April, pictured, were named on Wednesday as the successors to Sam Denly following his decision to step down at the end of the season after four years at the helm.

UEFA B coaches currently working towards becoming UEFA A licence holders, the pair both kicked off their careers in 1987 as Chelsea schoolboys and have worked in youth positions at numerous clubs since including QPR, Wimbledon, Reading, Cardiff City, MK Dons, Watford, Dover, Margate, Welling, Woking and Maidstone United.

In a statement welcoming the pair to the club in their first senior management role, Herne Bay director and spokesman Ron Boddy told fans they'd beaten more than 20 other candidates to the post at Winch's Field.

Herne Bay

Boddy said: "The club's selection committee shortlisted them for an interview from a list of over 20 applicants and this is their first opportunity to step up to a senior management position, following on from Sam Denly who was offered a similar opportunity some four years ago.

"They impressed the committee with their enthusiasm, approach and attitude leading to their appointment yesterday evening. John and Jermaine have said that they are delighted to have been appointed, and they are looking forward to the tasks ahead of them."

The Bay are still looking to arrange two pre-season friendlies at Ryman North clubs on Saturday 22 July and Saturday 5 August. Potential opponents should contact Boddy via email at: ronald.boddy@btopenworld.com.

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